The heart of a hibernator: EGFR and MAPK signaling in cardiac muscle during the hibernation of thirteen-lined ground squirrels, Ictidomys tridecemlineatus

Background: Thirteen-lined ground squirrels (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) experience dramatic changes in physiological and molecular parameters during winter hibernation. Notably, these animals experience reduced blood circulation during torpor, which can put numerous stresses on their hearts. The present study evaluates the role played by the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in signal transduction during hibernation at low body temperature to evaluate signaling mechanisms. By investigating the regulation of intracellular mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway responses, anti-apoptosis signals, downstream transcription factors, and heat shock proteins in cardiac muscle we aim to determine the correlation between upstream tyrosine phosphorylation events and downstream outcomes. Methods: Protein abundance of phosphorylated EGFR, MAPKs and downstream effector proteins were quantified using immunoblotting and Luminex_ multiplex assays. Results: Monitoring five time points over the torpor/arousal cycle, EGFR phosphorylation on T654, Y1068, Y1086 was found to increase signifi